Charleston Courtyard in Shadow
Print - offset lithograph or limited edition serigraph on paper • Betty Anglin Smith (American, b. 1946)
Style & Movement
Contemporary American Impressionism / Colorist School
Medium & Technique
Mechanical print process reproducing original oil painting; features high-saturation color palette and expressive brushwork typical of the artist's style.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (c. 1990-2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 24 inches (image size); vertical portrait orientation within a double-matted frame.
Subject Description
A vibrant architectural scene depicting a Southern courtyard, likely in Charleston, SC. The composition features a characteristic wrought-iron balcony, lush tropical foliage including a palm tree and blooming azaleas or bougainvillea, and dramatic use of violet and blue shadows contrasted with bright sunlight hitting architectural details.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the artwork appears well-preserved behind glass with no visible fading, though there is light glare on the glass surface and some potential mat discoloration.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD (as a framed print)
Auction Estimate
$75 - $200 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a gallery in the Southeast United States, specifically the Charleston area where Smith Fine Art is based.
Art Historical Significance
Betty Anglin Smith is a prominent figure in the contemporary Charleston art scene, known for her bold, expressionistic use of color. Her work captures the 'Lowcountry' aesthetic, bridging the gap between traditional subject matter and modern color theory.
Notable Features
Features the artist's signature 'Saturated Color' palette where shadows are rendered in deep purples and blues rather than blacks/grays, a hallmark of her studio's output.
Condition Issues
Minor light reflection/distortions in the photograph; potential for acid burn from non-archival matting if original; slight aging of the wooden frame gilding.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of UV-protective glass and archival Acid-Free mats to prevent long-term color degradation and paper yellowing.
Collector Notes
Betty Anglin Smith